Phillies Name Jeremy Hellickson As Opening Day Starter
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Maybe next year, Aaron.
The Philadelphia Phillies have named Jeremy Hellickson their 2016 Opening Day starter. Many hoped 22-year-old righty Aaron Nola would get the call.
That's the bad news. The good news? Nola will start during the team's home opener one week later.
#Phillies manager Pete Mackanin has named @JHell58 Opening Day starter; @AaronNola10 to start Home Opener on 4/11. pic.twitter.com/WhPB0Jw9QB
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 23, 2016
Hellickson, 28, spent last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks going 9-12 with a 4.62 ERA before being traded to the Phillies. Hellickson spent the first five seasons of his career with the Tampa Bay Rays. For his career, he is 49-48 with a 3.94 ERA.
Nola was the Phillies' seventh overall pick in 2014 and went 6-2 with a 3.59 ERA after being called up to the majors in 2015.
The Phillies open their regular season on Monday, April 4th at the Cincinnati Reds. Their home opener is Monday, April 11th vs. the San Diego.
In semi-related news, the Texans Rangers named Cole Hamels as their 2016 Opening Day starter.